Chinese firm Wey unveils XEV plug-in hybrid SUV concept

Wey, the premium sub-brand of Chinese manufacturer Great Wall, has hinted at a possible future European expansion by unveiling the XEV, a plug-in hybrid SUV concept, at this year’s Frankfurt motor show.

Wey did not release full technical details of the XEV, other than that it features a conventional engine that powers the front wheels, with an electric motor driving the rear. The car has also been designed with an autonomous driving system. It is currently purely a concept, with no plans for a production version.

The XEV features distinctive front headlights and a high rear bumper. It also has gull-wing doors reminiscent of those on the Tesla Model X SUV.

Great Wall offers a range of pick-up trucks in the UK and is known in China as an SUV specialist. The firm has ambitions to expand globally and was recently linked to a bid to buy into the FCA Group, which includes Jeep. Great Wall also owns the Haval brand, which recently launched in Australia.

Wey is Great Wall’s premium sub-brand and is currently focused purely on the Chinese market with models such as the VV5 and VV7. Great Wall is not thought to have any plans to expand Wey internationally in the immediate future – although the appearance of the XEV at Frankfurt would suggest such a move is at least under consideration.